We have a lovely two story home on a golf course for sale 3000 sq ft, on a cul de sac so safe for the kids- in an established area- priced in the mid 200s without a realtor- if interested email us at awesomerealest@aol.com- plenty of room for a home office, Would lease option for a year if that would help geting financing-- Blessings and good luck

Hi, Mrs. Decker,

Its Lisa again. I would love to be able to help you as I specialize in the North Florida area (Palm Coast, St. Augustine, Jacksonville) and could help you with some of your decision making. Yes, you have alot of things to consider and it is true, you need to determine what you will be able to afford as you downsize into the new location.

There are several factors on the table, selling your home in Maryland, whether you will find suitable employment, schools, and a home that meets your needs and whether all these will come together at the time you need them! It would probably be a good idea to begin with speaking to someone who can help.

I would be happy to help you if you would like me to, and we could communicate in a less public forum, you can email me directly at LMGardella@aol.com, or call me at 386-931-3486.
Good luck in your endeavor,

Lisa Gardella, Realtor

Thanks for ALL of your responses.
I have been looking in Palm Coast BUT as I stated I have found southern Jax and St. Augustine appealing too!!!
See my husband and I are from Maryland. We have 3 lovely children(Megan,Hailey and Aiden). He(my husband) was sick several years ago. So we do have about $29,000 of credit dept and medical bills we have been paying SLOWLY since that time.
If we move to Florida.....well, OUR household income will be CUT in half. My husband works from home. So his income will continue. I of course will be quitting my job in the pharmacuetical industry. I am terrified of a lay off any minute because of this economy ANYWAY!!!! My company has gone through 2 waves of lay-offs this year already.
We have weighed the pro's and cons of this move.....
It is better to do this now. Our children ALL go to private schools NOW. If we move to Florida, I see that your public schools are NOT as bad as the ones here. So we would send them to public school for sure.
The move has more advantages for us than NOT. And MOST of all we want what's best for our children.

I did speak to a broker not in the immediate area BUT he was in the Orlando area, he was NOT very nice and seemed fustrated by our situation.. He stated if our credit score wasn't over 660( mine is about 620 and my husband is 640) it would be VERY hard to get a mortgage and he mentioned I should try to have a job because my husband's self-employment can cause alot of problems when determining our income on paper.
He said he would have to show 3 years of taxes and other self-employment documents from our accountant. UGGGHHHHH!!! So, MANY issues!!!!!!So many complications........

How flexable are mortage brokers these days? What if don't sell our house by the time we are ready to leave?

These are both interesting and challenging times and we too are hearing all kinds of stories about what the future MIGHT bring.....It is fair to assume there is plenty that needs to be fixed but patience will eventually provide the clarity we seek.

Speaking of "patience" ....the next topic, the one of "short sales" is a proverbial mess. It is one that has appeal but nearly always leaves everyone involved, feeling victemized. Our opinion is there is just too much risk of not having a successful conclusion to persue these transactions. Many buyers are considering "foreclosures" and regular sales as better options.

Factors to consider when considering a short sale"

1. Has a letter of hardship been presented?

2. Is all necessary paperwork in place?

3. Has the property been bank appraised?

4. Has a "loss mitigator" been assigned?

5. Have the bank and seller arrived at a realistic sale price?

6. Are multiple mortgages involved with this property?

7. Are there multiple offers on the subject property?

Clearly the answers to these questions should be important factors when considering these sales.

Best wishes,
The Eckler team

Hi Mrs. Decker,
My name is Lisa Gardella and I am a realtor in Palm Coast. I certainly can understand your frustration with today's market as it is different and very difficult to follow. Like the other gentlemen have answered you, you can get up to the minute information from a buyer's agent, about all the areas you spoke about as well as availability. The internet and newspapers can be out of date sometimes and a realtor can save you lots of looking time by finding out what you are looking for and sorting through the thousands of homes easily by filtering those features that are important to you.
As far as loans, I agree that a mortgage broker can offer you the most choice, but I also recommend at least trying to speak with someone in your local bank to see what they will offer, and use it to compare, especially fees and closing costs, which can vary.
I do recommend as a buyer, you have nothing to lose to use a professional realtor and much to gain as they can help you through that paperwork and ease some of the stress. The shortsale situation is very difficult and can add months to a closing, with no real guarantee. If you need answers or more information, I would be delighted to help you.

Sincerely,
Lisa Gardella, 386-931-3486
Exclusive Properties of Flagler County

Mrs. Decker,

You are correct! Banks are much harder to get a loan through. Working with a broker allows you to have many options from various lenders. Their is NO advantage to walking into a local bank. Most of the time the bank does not have a mortgage professional on hand and if they do that opersopn is usually one dimensional because of the lack of programs.

If you would like to discuss different program and options please give me a call!

Ryan Brandenburger
954-394-9005

Wel I can't see into the future, laws are changing constantly right now. I can help you find a loan. There is a lot of paperwork but it can be done in waves , it doesn't have to be done piecemeal.

I am biased, so please take that into consideration. I think a mortgage broker is the way to go because you have more products available to you. A mortgage broker in Florida works for the borrower an not the lender, the loan officer works directly for the bank. If you want personal service call a broker if you have to use bank, take a number.

It looks like you need to find a buyers agent, the mls gets their information and posts it in real time but the rest of the internet get s it within 24-54 hours. If you get set up with a search with an agent you could find out about properties sooner.
My suggestion is to get some proffesionals to help you, I am a mortgage broker, If I can help please let me know.

David Chamberlain
UMAX Mortgage
727-239-2188
http://www.floridadreamloans.com